Everywhere you turn there is another good reason to attend the “Rocky Mountain Round-Up,” the 2011 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Denver, Colo., Feb 2-5.

On one front are the high caliber speakers lined up to address attendees at the event’s general sessions. The Opening General Session Feb. 2 will feature Richard Picciotto, Fire Department of New York Chief and the highest ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center Collapse on Sept. 11, 2001. Chief Picciotto is the author of Last Man Down, which chronicles his harrowing experience that day. He will provide a gripping, first-person account of the catastrophe and emergency response.

Speaking at the second General Session will be Karl Rove, former deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush. Rove continues to be a strong influence and strategist on the political scene, and will provide provocative, lively and thoughtful analysis of the 2010 elections and the outlook for this country’s government in the coming years.

Emceeing the Best of Beef Breakfast on Feb. 3 will be noted cowboy humorist Baxter Black, described by the New York Times   as “probably the most successful living poet.” While the former large animal veterinarian disavows the description, it’s difficult to discount his countless appearances on National Public Radio and television, his books, CDs and videos and his commercial radio appearances. Truth can be funny, Black insists, shining a spotlight on the foibles of everyday cowboy life. At the Feb. 3 breakfast, numerous awards honoring the best-of-the-best in the beef and cattle industry will be recognized.

Also entertaining for attendees will be Larry the Cable Guy, who will perform at the Grand Finale Feb. 4. A member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Larry’s famous “Git-R-Done” catch phrase and hilarious comedy routine will keep attendees in stitches. Every full convention registrant will receive a ticket to this event.

If enlightenment and entertainment aren’t enough, the educational opportunities provide more reasons to attend. Attendees of Cattlemen’s College Feb. 2 will learn more about AI and how to develop expanded, profitable reproductive strategies. Beef Quality Assurance and live animal stockmanship programs will provide hands-on instruction that afternoon at the National Western Stock Show complex. 

For those looking to find out about the latest in cattle-related products and services, the 2011 NCBA Trade Show will feature about 270 exhibitors. Representatives from companies and organizations will be on hand to outline how they can improve a cattleman’s bottom line in 2011 and beyond.

Networking and fellowship are huge reasons many cattlemen and women find their way to the Convention. One of the 2011 events will be a Tailgate Party at Invesco Field, home of the Denver Broncos, on Feb. 3. A Boot, Scoot and Boogie After Party following Larry the Cable Guy’s appearance Feb. 4 will allow attendees to dance and mingle.

Last but definitely not least, the Convention will provide an opportunity for cattle industry members to have their voices heard on policy and programs. Committee meetings are the ground floor of the decision-making process nationally, and taking part in these sessions allows attendees to both gain information and provide input. Organizations holding meetings at the Convention include the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, the American National CattleWomen and CattleFax.    

An inclusive pricing structure for the 2011 Convention and NCBA Trade Show allows registrants to attend virtually every event with no additional costs. Knowing they will thoroughly enjoy this extraordinary event, it’s just one more reason 6,000 cattlemen and women are expected to make the trip to Denver in February.

For more information on the 2011 Cattle Industry Trade Show and Convention

Visit www.beefusa.org. To learn more about sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities, contact Kristin Torres at 303-850-3335, or ktorres@beef.org.

American Cattlemen will be there! Booth #2068